The local branch of bookseller Waterstones celebrated the festive season with its annual Christmas evening on 29th November, bringing together 17 authors to meet with readers.
Cariad Lloyd, host of the acclaimed podcast “Griefcast”, and author of the humorous self-help book “You Are Not Alone” and children’s book “The Christmas Wish-tastrophe” said she enjoyed meeting younger readers.
“It’s really nice especially when you’ve written a kid’s book, to talk to them and find out what books they like reading,” Lloyd told the Kingston Courier.
“It’s a very nice place to spend your evening and everyone has been utterly delightful”, she added.
Historian Elizabeth Norton, whose book “The Boleyn Women” explores the complex dynamics between Anne Boleyn and her sister, Mary, at the Tudor Court, said of the event: “It’s really nice to meet some people who are current readers of my book or hopefully new readers of my book.”
She added that she enjoyed sparking an interest in history during these interactions: “I love having a chat with people, and even if they don’t buy the book, that’s okay too.”
Fantasy writer Claire North, who wrote the award-winning novel, “The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August”, shared her gratitude for the readers who attended. “I think if people take the time to come and talk to you and read and buy your books, it is the single most generous and flattering thing people can do,” the author said.
Kate Dylan, author of the dystopian “Mindwalker” series, expressed her love for bookstores and how they are vital to boosting community engagement. She said: “Even if they’re not interested in my books, they’re [attendees] generally interested in books and will have something nice to talk about.”
Waterstones’ staff hoped the event highlighted the bookshop’s commitment to creating a sense of community amongst local residents and readers.
Event coordinator and bookseller, Margaret Thomas, said: “We host these evenings as not only is it a good way to grow an exciting and active community of readers in Kingston, but our booksellers really enjoy engaging with readers during these events, chatting all things books, board games, personal recommendations and more.”
This year’s event featured authors across various genres, including Rosie Talbot and Sarah Maxwell (graphic novels and YA), Jim Smith (humour/children’s), Elizabeth Fremantle (fiction), Gareth Rubin and Kristin Perrin (crime), and Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey (non-fiction/politics), among others.
In addition to meeting authors, guests made use of the free gift-wrapping services, and enjoyed the store’s mulled wine and mince pies.
